What Is The Concept Of 'Microjoys,' And How Can It Boost Your Well-Being?

It can be easy to overlook the simple joys in life when things get busy and you're deeply entrenched in your everyday routine. When life is good, pinpointing each moment that enhances your day can easily slip your mind. However, it can also feel impossible to appreciate the small wins when everything around you seems to be crumbling. Of course, it's the cumulation of these "microjoys" that has the potential to really change your mindset and improve your mental health.

A stranger paying for your coffee in the morning, the smell of blooming flowers on your walk to work, or the feeling of fresh sheets on your skin as you crawl into bed after a long day all have the ability to increase your happiness exponentially if you take the time to acknowledge and appreciate them.

While the term microjoys may sound trivial or like it refers to otherwise unimportant occurrences, they are anything but. In fact, recognizing the immediate gratification that comes from simple yet sweet daily experiences is vital — especially when you are too busy or overwhelmed to analyze the bigger picture. 

Microjoys help people live healthier lives because they are rooted in intentionality and gratitude. While happiness is something we all desire in life, it's worth noting that it's a temporary emotion that hinges on ephemerality. Joy, on the other hand, is something you can choose to embrace internally. Joy allows you to focus your thoughts on peace amidst pain. It also helps you to make sense of your place in this world throughout happy times and more challenging seasons alike.

It is possible to grieve a loss but appreciate the loved ones gathering around you. You can feel depressed while still acknowledging how lovely the warm sunshine feels on your skin. You may be struggling to conceive again but be overwhelmed with gratitude for the child you do have. This doesn't mean you need to force yourself to constantly be positive or happy. In fact, it's important to define toxic positivity and name its red flags. 

"Toxic positivity" refers to the unrealistic pressure to keep an optimistic mindset regardless of how difficult life is. Conversely, microjoys allow you to accept and embrace the duality of your circumstances. While it's easy to recognize and acknowledge life's challenges, it's not always natural to appreciate your blessings. At the same time, microjoys can be practiced all the time, even if nothing particularly troubling or difficult is going on. 

This approach to life helps shift your perspective on everyday experiences and allows you to live more joyfully in general. Microjoys can improve your overall well-being because they encourage you to narrow in on the most basic of life's pleasures. One of the most incredible things about them is that they are constant. Microjoys are always present in your world and recognizing them is a mindfulness practice that encourages you to romanticize your life.

Once you start acknowledging the activities that make average days feel more special, you get to know yourself a little bit better too. This idea stems from the "romanticize your life" trend that has been increasingly popularized on social media. It began as a way to survive widespread pandemic lockdowns and isolation but has swiftly grown into a motivating force for people all over the world. 

This trend works to remind us that life isn't all about the big moments or major events but largely consists of simple, enjoyable daily tasks like baking bread or tending to a garden. Instead of mindlessly going through the motions, learning to love the aspects of your life that are right in front of you will help you feel happier and more grateful. Plus, once the simple joys are deemed valuable, it might actually encourage you to start prioritizing the little things in life that bring you joy.